Blogs from Alexanderhttps://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/blogger/listings/alexander
Sun, 07 Jun 2020 09:32:43 +0000Joomla! - Open Source Content Managementen-gbExpectations & Realityhttps://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/expectations
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/expectationsI am sure everyone who starts their hockey life as a goaltender, expects he/she will move along the goaltending pathway year after year until they have a legitimate shot to play professionally or at National team level.

It is an unfortunate part of the game that, for some goaltenders, those expectations meet the realities of the situation at some point. Perhaps it’s not making the travel team, competitive team or being cut at a training camp. And that creates the doubt that it might not happen.

This is when goaltenders, parents & coaches need to take a proactive approach to the situation. It is not the time to throw in the towel. And, a well thought out plan will keep everything on a positive note.

The goal always should be to “play at the highest level possible based on one’s skill set and physical capabilities”.

Now let’s a minute to think about one approach the situation when you meet that “bump” in the road.

For the goaltender, you need to discuss with a trusted coach, how your present skills compare to those needed to move up the next step along the goaltending pathway (PW to Bantam, Bantam to Midget, Midget to Junior and so on). By focusing just on the next level (whatever that is) and not looking beyond, you are bringing the conversation into a more realistic mode. This conversation about what needs to be done & why it needs to be done is necessary. That, plus a plan for continued improvement, will be critical to maintain your motivation & focus.

From there, the ball (puck) is really in your court. You must provide the effort, motivation and hard work with coach & parents providing direction and support.

In any event, all involved must understand how steep the climb to the top really is. The numbers who "make it" are extremely small by comparison to those who start out. The hockey pyramid is very wide at the bottom but becomes so much smaller as it nears the top. Hockey is now a global sport and once you leave Minor or Youth hockey, competition for spots on high level teams could come from almost any corner of the planet.

At this point as well, I suggest to all parents and goaltenders go and see games at the next level above where you/your son/daughter presently plays. Sit at the side of the rink as close to the boards as you can. There you are going to get a sense of the speed of the game and how quickly the puck moves, how hard the players shoot, how skilled they are at executing fakes, how quickly goaltenders must react and be able to read situations and on and on. When you do, I think you/they will find it is a real eye-opener.

At any rate, it should point out the gap between where you are and where you want to be as it relates to skill. Hopefully this will be the motivation factor that spurs you on.

And, finally, I point out, it is not always about skill. A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, EXCEPTIONAL WORK ETHIC, A COMPETITIVE SPIRIT, BEING COACHABLE, A DESIRE TO IMPROVE EVERY DAY & BEING A TEAM PLAYER are all attributes that are meaningful to coaches at every level.

Many times, it is the goaltender who possesses these intangibles who will improve & move up the chain more rapidly to the next level.

There is never a good reason, not to put your best effort into being the best goaltender you can possibly be, every time you go out on the ice, at whatever level you play.

]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderFri, 27 Mar 2020 16:20:00 +0000Benched! How to handle being benched.https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/benched-how-to-handle-being-benched
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/benched-how-to-handle-being-benchedIt happens to everyone at one time or another in their goaltending career - we get benched.

It happens at all levels of play; it happens to the pros.In the case of the pros, it can sometimes have long lasting career effect. At most other levels, though, it is just a temporary situation.

Whatever. It is not pleasant.Perhaps you aren't even having a bad game. Or, maybe you are.Fighting the puck or playing in an uncharacteristic manner. Maybe the coach just wants to "shake things up". Hopefully that is the reason. But even if it is, it's a shock. It's embarrassing! Fans & parents are looking on, not to mention your teammates

And, then the thoughts start going through our mind: why? It was just one goal & it went off my defenseman's stick (of course coach didn't notice that); the whole team is playing badly, why signal me out? I could have played through that rough spot, I just needed a few more minutes to get my game together. Am I going to get my next regular start? What are my teammates thinking?

And then the frustration and even anger can kick in. It's difficult to keep your mind in the game, and perhaps you really don't feel like cheering on your team or for that matter, your playing partner.

Hopefully, this is nothing to do with you personally, but, whatever the reason, you really can't change it. Once done it is done. You can either move on & stay prepared (in case you need to go back in the net) or sit there with your negative thoughts & emotions which really doesn't do anyone, including you, any good.

The best approach, & only productive one, is to take it as a learning experience: an opportunity to study players or the opposition goaltender. And, maybe there, see some things you could incorporate into or add to your game. Or, is there something in your game you need to improve so this doesn't happen again.

One thing for sure, being benched will test your mental toughness. But, with the right ATTITUDE, you'll come away a stronger more resilient goaltender who can deal more readily with the pressures of the game & the ups and downs of goaltending in a positive manner.

Perhaps one piece of advice to leave you with is to be prepared to be benched. It will happen! And, sometimes it just comes right out of left field without any warning. So, think about it before it does. Try to set in your mind what you will do; what your reaction will be and how you can turn it into a positive. No matter what the circumstances, be supportive of your teammates. Sooner or later, you will need their support.

First impressions are important.And your appearance, your reactions & body language are an important part of projecting who & what you are as a goaltender.

Make no mistake, aside from the skill level, recruiters, scouts & coaches take a keen interest in how you "present" yourself and your "net presence" affects their perception of you.

Do you play super aggressive, over-play shots & continuously scramble and chase the play? This gives the impression that you may be in a “little over you head” and really do not possess the skill to play at this level.Or, that you lack a sound technical base & that your whole game is based on being reactionary. (tough to have consistent success playing this way)

Are you a goaltender who never leaves the blue paint of the crease not even daring to go out and stop rimmed pucks?So, are you lacking confidence, skating skills or are you a very passive personality?Again, this posture sends a definite message to those watching.

Do you, at times, appear disengaged or disinterested during the game. (Wow!What is the message here?)Perhaps that is your way of dealing with pressure.But observers will wonder, is that his/her “normal"?

So, let’s look at a couple of points.

1.Remain calm & focused after mistakes or goals scored2. Keep shoulders back & head up to appear confident, ready, and capable3. Show emotion after a goal, if you want, but be under control

If you are serious about this, you might do well to view a self video and see how you stack up against other goaltenders in that regard. Or, elicit the help of an unbiased, reputable coach to give you an honest opinion of just how you project yourself in the net.

Perception is reality - to the observer. Remember, no matter where or when you are playing, there most likely is someone (coach, scout, recruiter, or friend of) watching.

In the world of goaltending, consistency is something that every coach wants & expects from his/her goaltender.

Why? Because coaches know that for most every game, they will be able to count on the goaltender to deliver a solid, but not necessarily spectacular, performance.

So, let's look at how your consistency can affect your team. When your play is consistent:

-your team will play with more confidence knowing what they can expect from you game in and game out

-you will be showing positive on-ice leadership quality and, at the same time, earning your team's trust

-it gives everyone that extra layer of security so they can play their game without doubt, knowing that you are going to handle your end and that you are reliable and dependable

As a goaltender, what you don’t need for consistency is:

-to feel the need to be flashy or super aggressive

-to play a perfect game

-to play your best game every time you step on the ice. (I am sure you would like to, but that seldom happens)

-not make any mistakes

-making sure you keep your stats up

But, what you must do as often as possible is:

-minimize the number of mistakes you make

-play at the same emotional & energy level game in and game out

-keep the "lights out one day, play below average the next" performances to a minimum

I understand the difficulty in this, because for some games you may be excited and ready to go and other times, you’ll feel tired, out of sorts, distracted or genuinely nervous (not just butterflies)

So, how do we develop consistency on ice? It all starts the effort (battle level) we put into each game and our pre-game preparation.And, to some degree, the consistent habits we develop when we are away from the rink such as following a regular off ice training program and developing sound nutritional, rest & sleep habits.

It is tuning into the mental game and learning to relax and letting the game “happen”. And how can we best do that? By following a repeated, pre-game routine that includes both the mental & physical & which instills confidence in our abilities and narrows our focus to the upcoming game.

So, what are you waiting for! Find, develop, research, ask, watch, experiment until you find the pre-game routine that works best for you and.........................

FOLLOW IT EVERY GAME!

424 03/05/20

]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderThu, 05 Mar 2020 19:16:30 +0000Will you be better tomorrow than you are today?https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/will-you-be-better-tomorrow-than-you-are-today
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/will-you-be-better-tomorrow-than-you-are-todayWhat are some of the “extras” you can do at the rink & beyond that will translated into improving your play on the ice and give you a better chance at winning?

Probably, if you asked 10 people, you would get 10 different answers.However, it comes down to some very basis rules of thumb that, although, require a lot of discipline, will pay instant rewards

- eat nutritious foods.Food is fuel for your muscles; no fuel, no energy

- get the correct amount of daily rest.Same as food; no rest, no energy- never skip or “tank” a workout.What you don’t do today will come back to bite you in the future

- prepare thoroughly pregame & pre practice.Pre-game/practice routines are invaluable to not only instill confidence, but get you in the correct frame of mind to compete &/or learn

- diligently work on your skills to perfect your game.In practice, focus on the mechanics & movements of the skill & don’t just go through the motions.Practice is not a social

- never take a "night/day off" at practice or game.Work harder in practice today than you did in your last game, work harder in your next game than you did in your last practice

- keep an open mind to advice & correction.Not to do so, could deprive you learn of another “tool” to improve your game

- be a "student" of the game; always in "learning" mode.The day we know everything about goaltending is the day we stop learning and when you stop learning, you stop improving

- watch hockey! There is no better way to understand the game & how it affects your game, than to watch it being played

]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderSat, 22 Feb 2020 23:27:46 +0000Getting your BEST game resultshttps://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/getting-your-best-game-results
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/getting-your-best-game-resultsHow can you give yourself the best chance at the game results you want?

Playing a great game is not centered around a couple or one big or “impossible save” that stands out from everything else. It is the sum of a series of smaller details you control that will put a positive spin on your game, even if your team doesn’t necessarily put up 2 points in the win column.

Sometimes you’ll do everything right (or almost everything) and still not win the game.

Here are some suggestions on how YOU can give yourself the best chance to get those 2 points.

1. remember, you will never play a "perfect" game. Set your sights on playing an "excellent" game...no goalie ever played a perfect game.(And, anyway, who needs the added pressure of being perfect)

2. game time is not the time to improve your skills, that is what practices are for. Trust that your work in practice will give you the best opportunity for game success

3. it is okay to make mistakes. Every game is full of them.Park and forget them until the game is over

4. don’t worry & get distracted if your technique is not quite where you'd like it to be on that day.Everyone has “off” days

5. share the load...you don't have to win the game all by yourself

6. focus on the goal(s) you have set for the game, not on the score

7. stay positive. Think about being successful

8. do whatever it takes to play well, even if it is "ugly" or not quite up to your usual standard. Sometimes you just must play "ugly" to win

9. keep your thoughts simple. Don’t over-analyse. You will only psyche yourself out

10. when on ice, focus on your performance as an athlete, not the score, mistakes or goals that go in

11. play for the team, but TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PLAY

12. don't worry about what others may think about your performance, there will ALWAYS be critics

13. don't ever assume you know what others, or your coaches are thinking; 9 out of 10 times you will be wrong

14. take the game seriously, but have fun

15. don’t blame others or beat yourself up if you lose. That is the EASY WAY OUT.Figure out the areas of your game where you might have been better & GET AT IT!Even if you won, there are always parts of your game you can improve on.

]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderMon, 17 Feb 2020 17:51:00 +0000Don't let size limit your goalshttps://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/don-t-let-size-limit-your-goals
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/don-t-let-size-limit-your-goals“SIZE". At a very young age, it is normally not a factor in goaltender selection, but, unfortunately, as you move up the hockey chain, it does begin to matter. Sometimes, even, at the U13 level and, most assuredly, at the U15 & U18. But don’t despair; there is room for the smaller goaltender at those levels & beyond Minor/Youth Hockey or High School. And, there is still a place in Major Junior/Tier I for the smaller goaltender and, most certainly, the smaller goaltender can flourish at the Junior A or Junior B/Tier II level.

Beyond that, U Sport, NCAA, ECHL, AHL and European teams are options open to those who have the skill but do not achieve the "supposedly ideal" 6' 2" height for an NHL goaltender. Understand, reaching the NHL is no easy task, even with the size factor. At any given time, there are only 62 goaltenders playing there and they come from every part of the world. So, your competition is not only the kid on the next block or in the next town, but the kid playing minor hockey in Switzerland, Sweden, Finland or Germany or Russia.

My advice to any goaltender, who is shorter in stature than your peers, is to not bury your dreams, but understand what your situation is and take steps to improve your chances at playing at a higher level (if that is truly what you want) by working on and improving those parts of your game to get you there.

So, here are some things you need to be to maximize your ability to compete at any level, no matter what your size. You can achieve proficiency in most of these even without the help of a coach.

- athletic(possess incredible agility, balance & co-ordination with speed) These elements can be developed away from the ice surface, but a certain amount requires on-ice time (see the next element below)*not all goaltenders will have the physiological capabilities to achieve a high level of athleticism. So then, positioning becomes a much more important factor

- a superior skater (a master at using inside edges to position, or reposition on skates in control and on balance) Spend on ice time working on inside edge control, crease skating drills & team skating

- unmatched in lateral movement(speed with power in lateral movements on skates or in a lateral slide)

- a student of the game(watches games played at all levels; observing player tendencies and play patterns and how shots are generated and from which locations in the defensive zone they originate)

- excellent at reading the shot release(using complete puck focus and shooter information such as hand/puck/shoulder position to determine height, velocity and shot location immediately as the puck is leaving the stick blade)

- near perfect at tracking shots(able to SEE pucks coming into & going away from your equipment & FIND the flight path of the puck through screens & front net traffic situations)

- a master at staying up and on skates(patient and confidently remaining on skates and only moving to a butterfly or RVH position after the PUCK HAS LEFT THE STICK BLADE & the velocity & trajectory is known or through experience &/or past observation can anticipate the logical sequence of events prior to the shot) The exception being close in, tight, shot situations where the higher percentage play is to use a down, butterfly or RVH, blocking position

- near perfect at positioning(must always have proper angle and depth on every shot and must arrive "on time", every time, so feet are set and skates, hips & shoulders are square to the puck "BEFORE" the shot released – in the case of a lateral slide the same squareness must be priority)

has a “never give up” attitudeworks harder than any of his team mates every off or on ice sessionwants to be the bestwants to learn

ENJOYS PRACTICES AS MUCH AS THE GAME

]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderTue, 04 Feb 2020 12:12:00 +0000Confidencehttps://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/confidence
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/confidenceConfidence! It is a corner stone on which successful goaltending is built.

Confidence inspires you to play at a top of your game; playing at the top of your game inspires confidence. The question is, which comes first? Perhaps it is a bit of both. But, make no mistake, self-confidence is crucial to performing at your highest level.

If you are confident, you'll be better able to handle difficult situations - those times during competition when things go wrong. Your demeanour both on and off the ice will reflect that confidence and your attitude will be "play to win" and not a "try not to lose" mentality, which will influence your team mates & inspire confidence in them as well.

On the other hand, when you aren't confident, you'll struggle with mistakes, likely become frustrated and play too cautiously. You become tense, your movements are no longer smooth, you "fight" the puck, you create rebounds and overplay situations.

So, if we understand how important confidence is to our performance, why do we struggle with confidence issues from time to time, and more importantly, how do you acquire/maintain/regain confidence.

From our experience, confidence seems more evident when the goaltender focuses on his/her strong points (what are the things I do really well) and not their deficiencies or weaknesses. There is no room for negativity if you are to perform at your best.

Confident goaltenders concern themselves only with the things they can control (emotions, preparation, attitude, thoughts). We also note that, generally, the more prepared the individual is, the more likely they are to play with confidence.

And, that leads us to one of the most important elements that will affect confidence - PREPARATION. We've talked about pre-game preparation many times before & we are firm believers that the better prepared physically and mentally (and especially mentally) you are to play, the more likely you will play with confidence. There is something about routine and familiarity that gives us a feeling of comfort and preparedness. So, doing all those "good things" which motivated athletes do away from the rink plus a positive pre-competition routine will start you off on the confidence route.

If you noticed, all the things we mentioned in the previous paragraph are controllable by the goaltender. As a starting point,

1. make a list of what you can or can't control

2. don't worry about what you can't control.

Remember, there definitely will be ups & downs in your game and it is natural that you will struggle with confidence at times. The secret is to understand that it will happen, and to believe in yourself and that what you are doing will bring positive results over the long run.

Understand what got you to where you are today (hard work, motivation, dedication, on & off ice training, good personal choices). Understand, as well, that your skills don't just "suddenly" leave you. They don't say "that's it, I'm done" and go away. More likely, you are hi-jacking your skills with negativity. Our experience is that, goaltenders get into trouble with confidence when they start thinking the game, thinking about their mistakes or their team mates mistakes, the referee, missed opportunities, what their team mates think, what the coach thinks, what the fans think....the better able you can control that "little voice" inside your head the more likely you will play with confidence.

No one can "give" you confidence and no one can take it from you. Your confidence (or lack of) is in your hands (or, more exactly, in your head) Understand the things (negative thoughts, unmet expectations, mistakes etc) that affect your confidence level and focus on replacing those thoughts (the little voice inside your head) with the notion that you can get through this because you are doing all the "right things" and that this is just one small bump in the road in your journey to becoming the best goaltender you can be.

]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderFri, 29 Nov 2019 11:24:00 +0000Good Practice Habitshttps://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/good-practice-habits
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/good-practice-habitsI like to watch team practices whenever I can. From youth/minor hockey to junior & pro. I find I can learn a lot about a goaltender simply by the way they practice. One thing that really stands out, especially at the minor/youth hockey level, is a lack intensity in practices and the amount of time spent unproductively. With few exceptions, I also see goaltenders left on their own without anyone really working with them to improve his/her skill development during practices, even if there is a position coach with them on the ice. (but that’s a topic for another time)

Let me begin by telling you it is my belief that the old saying "you play like you practice" is exactly true....if you give your best effort in practice you'll do the same in the game; if you pay attention to details in practice you will in a game. For the goaltender, I think this so much more important since your play, good or bad, could determine the outcome of a game. I also believe that every goaltender needs to take responsibility for their development and needs to engage in a certain amount of self-coaching and, also believe that practice is the only time one can really work on skill development.

If you are such a goaltender, I want to pass on a few observations that will make practice more productive for you:

- prepare; make sure you are warmed up and stretched before you get on the ice. Time on ice is meant for developing skills, not really for warming up and stretching

- do you need to go to the drill explanation each time the coach whistles players in? Ask the coach to signal you in only if you really need to be a part of the drill. Otherwise ask to use the time to work on some aspect of your game such as puck handling, inside edge work skating or lateral slides/recoveries; sealing off the post in a VH or RVH etc.

- have a practice plan; you need to go on the ice with some goal or objective. Discuss it with your position coach before going on the ice, if you have one. Perhaps it is something you want to improve on from your last game like keeping your hands ahead of your body in stance, keeping your stick on the ice and in your 5-hole. Basically, anything you want to become better at

- get your skating in first; as soon as you step on the ice, head for a crease and do your skating drills. You need to work on skating every practice. Make sure you check with your coach first so he can keep one net clear from player shooting

- work on your puck tracking; track every puck from the time it leaves the shooter’s stick, as it comes into your body and you smother it or catch it or direct the rebound away with your blocker, pad or stick. (tip: keep your nose pointed to the puck)

- follow rebounds; if you can't follow them physically (sometimes the spacing between shots doesn't permit time to physically reposition on rebounds) at least continue to track pucks visually after you make the save

- practice is a good time work on game situation communication with your team-mates; vocalize information to your team-mates when the team is working power play or penalty kill or breakouts. It will be easier to transfer this skill to games if you have already practiced it

- battle hard to stop every shot; even those you know you don't have a chance to stop. Reason being, your team-mates will appreciate your effort when you challenge them & it will show your commitment to improving. And secondly, your “battle mentality” will translate into your game play and help you make that "game saving" stop from time to time

- handle pucks at every practice; make it a point to get out and stop any rims or pucks that come near the net

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going"

]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderSun, 10 Nov 2019 18:13:00 +0000Are you "Coachable"https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/are-you-coachable
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/are-you-coachableToday I want to address a topic which is discussed often among coaches & a question asked by recruiters & scouts.Is he/she coachable?

Perhaps there is no more important quality in a player than to be eager to learn. And, probably no quicker way to become a better goaltender.

So, who exactly is the "coachable" athlete? I suggest it is the goaltender who WANTS to be in the net every second of the game; who ACCEPTS the fact that they do make mistakes and who LEARNS from those mistakes; who TAKES responsibility for their performance (good or bad); who SEEK out help from their coach or mentor and are ALWAYS looking to improve. Their mind is open to new things & new ways to do things. They take advice WILLINGLY, and though they believe in themselves, they understand that they are where they are because of others. And, that they need others to become the success they desire to be.

A coachable goaltender is one who shows up at the rink PREPARED, whether practice or game. They are always ready to get better and want to be the best they can be. They are energetic and enthusiastic. They are first on the ice and last to leave and always looking to do more.

And they look you in the eye when you speak to them.

Unfortunately, I've seen my share of goaltenders over the past 25 years coaching WHO DO/WILL NOT "look you in the eye when you speak to them".... they just nod or, look past your shoulder as you speak & then go out and do exactly the same as they did before the conversation. As a coach this is, perhaps, one of the most frustrating & disappointing encounters you'll have. And you know right there you words are not having any effect on the individual.

Because, they are telling you, without saying a word, "there is nothing you can tell me I don't already know and, so, I am not really interested in what you have to say". It also shows a complete lack of respect for someone who is only trying to help you get better. If any of this sounds familiar, well………………….

I suspect all coaches would welcome that the goaltender simply say, "I don't agree coach, I see it this way" or "I'd prefer to try this way, because...." or "Can you explain to me why this is important?” At the very least this would produce some dialogue. And, from that dialogue perhaps a common ground can be reached.

Most of these type goaltenders I encountered, did not go on to have an extensive goaltending career beyond Minor/Youth Hockey.

So, the message here folks is: if you are an aspiring goaltender and not already "Coachable", learn quickly!

"The difference between a good player and a great player is that a good player thinks he or she is good, and a great player always believes they can be better,“ A great player is an athlete who is never satisfied.” Bob Deraney

]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderTue, 05 Nov 2019 15:06:00 +0000Didn't make the team.....What after?https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/didn-t-make-the-team-what-after
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/didn-t-make-the-team-what-afterDidn't make the team?Make it a new beginning not an end with a NEW ATTITUDE & renewed motivation

Reflecting back on the tryout period prior to the season as we enter the first couple of weeks of hockey season, it is safe to say these were some very anxious moments for goalies (and parents too)

And, some of you didn't make the team you tried out for. Believe me, I've seen it happen numerous times including a couple of personal experiences & I must admit it wasn't the the most pleasant of times.

So, today, I thought I would pass on some advice which, I hope, will motivate you to begin the process of improving your chances next time.

I know the first question that comes to mind, when you get the bad news, is WHY?

Truth is, sometimes it doesn't make a lot of sense, even when you get the answer. (if you get an answer) Maybe it was just that the competition was tough (a lot of exceptionally good goalies in your age group) or you didn't perform up to the expectation of the coaches or your skills were lacking. Or maybe, "politics" came into play. Maybe it was your demeanor, how you presented yourself in the net. Maybe the coach thought he would give a second year goaltender(s) the opportunity, or the coach just felt more comfortable (confident) with the other guy (or girl).

You can't hang on to the thought that the coach didn't like you, or they didn't see you at your best, or you should have been selected because you allowed fewer goals than the other goalie(s) .

Whatever the reason, you must move on.

Understand, that, unless we do fail from time to time, we will never become the best we can be. Most top end athletes (goaltenders) will tell you that they failed numerous times during their rise to the top, and these failures were the motivation that really drove them to become successful. (check out the Jordan Binnington story) They learned from the failing experience and were able to "move on", understand their deficiencies, and vowed to work diligently on those deficiencies to make the necessary corrections and improve.

And, so, failing is a necessary part to improving your game.

The question is, what are YOU going to do about it?

The first thing you need to do is take a hard, honest look at your game and identify the parts that need improvement

Although you may attempt to do this yourself, I suggest you enlist someone whom you consider to be an unbiased, experienced coach to review your game with the use of video or observation. Just remember, they will need to be brutally honest and, so, you may hear things you don't want to hear. However, if you REALLY want to improve, then the need for honesty.

During the initial review process, 3 or 4 areas for improvement may be identified. Once, identified, develop a plan and commit it to writing. This will provide direction and keep you on track, plus allow you to measure how you are progressing at a future point in time versus where you began. You will likely have to do this several times during season, similar the approach used at the professional hockey level.

I suggest that you include your parents in the plan. They can act in a supporting role where necessary. But remember, the puck is in your rink. It's YOUR plan and not the responsibility of Mom or Dad or a coach to lead you along. They supply direction and support only. YOU must provide the motivation, dedication & hard work.

If you truly WANT (not wish, like to, would be nice) to be a top end, above average or elite goaltender then you need to put in the work, provide the self-motivation and DEVELOP THOSE GOOD, PERSONAL HABITS necessary.

There is absolutely no substitute. There is no "magic formula" You must put in the time and the work.

1. Through your own experience, by viewingvideo or by viewingstatistics determine“players to watch” on the opposing team (this prepares you to deal with the better players on the opposingteam because you know who they are and their tendencies.Usually the “better” players are the “better” playersgame in and game out.(this will alsoprepare you for shootout situations)

2. Again through your own experience, by viewingvideo or discussionwithyour head or assistancecoaches, determinethe type of game offensethisteam usuallyplaysor the combinationsyou will most likelysee (this prepares you to formulate a plan for your reaction to most of oppositionzone entries &power play, plushowyouwillneed tocommunicatewithyour defense forastretch pass, wide rim,dump &chase orbeat the “D”and net drive situationsetc.)

3. Similarly,you shouldmake yourselfaware of the oppositiontendenciesonce they penetrate the defensivezone on 5 on 5, 5 on 4, or 5 on 3 situations(this will allow you to develop a game plan for reaction to each of these pressure situationsso you improve your chances for success)

Reminders

Pick one or two self-reminds to take with you into the game. Here is a quick list of some self-reminders you might use:

- track every puck into and away from your body, gear, stick etc.- focus on getting into position quickly on passes - re-position quickly on rebounds - set my feet before every shot - fight to find pucks in traffic - be patient - be under control (physically & emotionally) - help my “D” by communicating with them - get out & handle all pucks that are near the net - battle for every puck - BREATH

Game day preparation is vital to the success of the goaltender; especially at a high caliber level of competition. To neglect this important area is to jeopardize the potential for you to play at your best.

Proper preparation will give you a sense of control over an otherwise seemingly, uncontrollable situation and allows you to rehearse your reaction to game situations as they might develop. Proper preparation will also give you a measure of confidence and you will go into the competition feeling at ease and comfortable.

Inhale for a count of two… hold the breath in for a count of one… exhale gently, counting out for four… and finish by holding the breath out for a count of one. Keep your breathing even and smooth. If the 2-4 count feels too short try increasing the breath lengths to 4 in and 6 out, or 6 in and 8 out, and so on. But if longer breaths create any anxiety there is no need to push yourself. The most important thing is that the exhale is longer than the inhale, not the absolute length of the breath

Visualization: 5 – 10 minutes of visualization work will effectively bring you into “game mode”

Find a quite spot without distractions. Create a mental image (visualization) of different game situations in your mind as though they were happening and you were looking at them through your own eyes. (watch the puck coming at you and hitting your equipment, or you catching the puck or controlling the rebound. In other words, you are successfully making the save. Try to do this for 5 - 10 minutes. It will be difficult at first and perhaps you will only be able to concentrate for a few minutes. But as you practice more you will be able to concentrate longer)

(visualization and breathing exercises can and should be practiced regularly both at and away from the rink)

]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderTue, 02 Apr 2019 01:04:43 +0000Tracking puck movement behind the nethttps://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/tracking-puck-movement-behind-the-net
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/tracking-puck-movement-behind-the-netThe most important factor when the puck is being carried behind the net is to maintain eye contact with the puck for the greatest amount of time that it is there.

Generally, goaltenders will stop watching the puck once it passes the post on the short side & begin to move in the direction the puck is being carried without bothering to maintain any type of eye contact with the puck until they arrive at the far post.

In other words, the goaltender is “guessing” that the puck carrier will continue moving the puck in a forward direction behind & around or beyond the net.And this really is a “guess”.

Simply, because, this does not consider the other 3 options at the puck carrier’s disposal:

1. the puck carrier can stop at some point behind the net & with a quick set up, make a pass out to a supporting partner on either side (result = panic: since goaltender is committed to one side of the net & has no idea where the puck carrier or puck is, he/she ends up turning his/her head from side to side in an attempt to determine where the attack will come from)

2. the puck carrier can make a back pass to a partner who is below the goal line & trailing the play (result = trailing partner steps out over the goal line & jams the puck into the open net near side or plays “catch” with the passer forcing the goaltender to bounce from post to post & completely out of position for any type of scoring attempt)

3. as he reaches the mid-way point behind the net, the puck carrier can make a back pass to a supporting partner who is already above the goal line on the same side of the net where the puck carrier started (result = easy tap in goal 9 times out of 10)

So, here is one method to "effectively" track puck movement behind the net.

The first point I want to make here is “don’t panic”! Remember, generally you will have more time than you realize especially, if you maintain excellent eye contact with the puck.In this scenario we have chosen, the goaltender has positioned him/herself in an RVH (or for younger, less experienced goaltenders in an integrated post position on his/her skates) on the blocker side post as the puck is being moved below the goal line towards the net on the goaltender's blocker side. The goaltender should hold this position on the post until the point where the puck has moved past the blocker side post inside the frame of the net. Now the goaltender moves his upper body away from the blocker side post but keeps his/her skate blade/pad in contact with that post and eye contact on the puck. At this point the goaltender will be positioned on the goal line & approximately MID-NET.When the goaltender can no longer see the puck over his blocker side shoulder he should continue to HOLD THAT SAME MID-NET POSITION, turn his head & attempt to pick up the puck location over his trapper side shoulder.If the puck carrier has continued his path forward with the puck, the goaltender should just simply use his/her trailing leg (the one still in contact with the blocker side post) to push off & engage and seal the trapper side post and the ice.On the other hand, if the goaltender cannot locate the puck position over the trapper side shoulder, he should KEEP HIS POSITION & turn his head back to the blocker side & attempt to locate the puck on that side.

If the puck carrier has stopped & set up behind the net, the goaltender can still maintain eye contact on the puck simply by leaning a little more to one side or the other and reacting to what he does. Although, not totally integrated to either post, the goaltender's location still leaves him/her in a very, very favorable position to gain angle on a pass out to either side of the net or deal with a wrap around attempt. If any type of back pass has been made the goaltender is still in a favorable position (MID-NET) to react to either of the back-pass situations described above because the goaltender is just a short push away from being able to quickly and effectively integrate with the post and seal the ice and/or gain angle against the scoring attempt.​We suggest this method is equally effective in situations where puck movement is similar but, where the goaltender chooses to remain on his/her skates and to not move into an RVH position.

(although we have used puck movement from blocker to trapper side of the net, the same method can be used for a puck being moved in the opposite direction)

Basically most, if not all, screened shots are scored because the initial shot is deflected or redirected by an opposing player or the goaltender’s own player.Other instances of goals being scored from screens might be the goaltender looking to the wrong side in traffic or the goaltender guessing because he/she is unable to see the shot release point or, because of the screening effect (screen moving into or out of the puck trajectory path), to track the trajectory of the puck all the way.

Additionally, we are seeing “layers” of screening on some shots.For example, there could be a high defending forward, a secondary defender layer, and finally, an opposition player (or in reverse order) all in the goaltender’s sight line to the puck release.

In today’s game, the emphasis for the defending team appears to be front blocking where the defender(s) (one or more) position ahead of the opposition player attempting to block the shot before it reaches the opposition player (acting as a front net screen) and, subsequently, the goaltender.All is good in respect to this set up, if the shot is, indeed, blocked.Unfortunately, depending on the commitment of the defender to block the shot or the blocking instincts of the defender, quite often, the puck will get through.

If, what I have described above, is the system defense employed by a team in a screening situation, I suggest the following:

a. shot blocking ALWAYS attempts to force the opposition to shoot to the short side (opposition player at the blue line on the goaltender’s blocker side of the ice, defender positions to take away the far side shooting lane.Opposition player at the blue line on the goaltender’s trapper side of the ice, defender positions to take away the far side shooting lane)

b.when there are two defensive layers blocking, the one nearest the shooter attempts an outright block and the secondary layer positions in the far shooting lane. Understand, that it is as important to force the shot to the short side as it is to block a shot. Forcing the shot to the short side, which would normally be away from heavy traffic and the potential for deflection or re-directs also allows the goaltender to deal with only one screen (opposition player) making for easier puck tracking to the net and improving the potential to control rebounds to the short side or directly back out in the direction of the shooter and away from the low slot, high scoring location

c. the defensive player in a blocking position nearest the net must understand that if the shot does go through to the net, they MUST immediately attempt to gain a position where they are able to retrieve any rebound or prevent the front net opposition player from retrieving a rebound

Here is a guide for the goaltender in a screening situation:

a. maintain a relaxed, upright stance following the puck until the shot release is imminent then move into a shot ready position

b.be aggressive in maintaining your position at the top of the crease.Do not allow the opposition to back you into the net.Use your trapper hand to keep opposition at a distance that allows you to move freely in and around the crease to make the save

c.default to a short side view to find the release point of the shot and track its trajectory

d.if there is front net screen movement, you may have to adjust your sight line by moving your upper body from side to side or even up & down prior to the shot release.Continue to maintain your edges and, more importantly, your angle and position in the crease while doing so.I cannot overemphasis how critical it is to see the puck release to be able to determine the path of the puck to the net.Even if eye contact with the puck is lost in flight, those first few fractions of a second when the puck leaves the stick should allow the goaltender to “connect the dots” to determine the general location where the puck will arrive at the net, unless deflected or re-directed

e.if the shot is a clear-sighted situation, and the screen is not a factor, the goaltender need use the appropriate save selection to stop the puck.However, if there is potential for a re-direct or deflection the goaltender should default to a butterfly block described below

e.where the view of the puck release & trajectory is completely unavailable, the default action will be to move into a butterfly block.This is strictly a blocking position with elbows tight, hands down (no “active hands” positioning) and slightly ahead of the body and, of course a tight butterfly with a slight bend at the hips and head forward for good balance & reaction/re-positioning/recovery

f.on the same note, where the puck release view is available, but the trajectory vision is impeded along the puck’s path to the net, the goaltender should use the “connect the dots” method.This should allow the goaltender a rough idea whether the path of the puck will be to the right, left, high, low or directly into his/her present angle.If to the right or left, the goaltender can use a center shift to bring as much of his/her body to fill that portion of the net into the anticipated path of the shot

I will work hard to develop my skating, & technical skills so I am the best goaltender I can be

I will give my best in every game and never leave any game wishing I had worked harder

I will build my mental toughness so that negative events in a game will not affect my performance

I will improve my practice habits and, so, my play in games will reflect how I practice and I will develop my best game habits in practice

I will accept responsibility for my play - good or bad

I will not lay blame with my team mates for goals that are scored even if they made the mistake

I will be a student of the game and always look to improve so that my play will be a positive influence in all my games

I will be disciplined in both my on & off ice habits, and maintain emotional control at all times during games

I will practice good pre-game preparation so when I step on the ice, I am always ready to compete

I will compete for every puck and never give up on a shot, no matter how impossible it might seem to stop it

]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderSun, 30 Dec 2018 15:30:50 +0000Pressurehttps://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/pressure-1
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/pressure-1You can absolutely "kill it" in practices, but if you aren't able to perform under pressure you will not become a top end goaltender. To quote Allistair McCaw, professional trainer & author

"THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BEST AND THE REST COMES DOWN TO PERFORMING UNDER PRESSURE

In my experience, when you have two athletes (goaltenders) of equal skill the one most likely to come out on top is the one who can handle the stress and pressure of competition, even when fatigued. The athlete able to cope with stress & pressure will always be looking to solutions, not excuses. They will be doing all the good things we explained in our last e-mail and posted to our FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/alexandergoaltending/

If you watch them closely in practice, these are the ones who consistently challenge themselves to become better. Even when the drill is mundane or "easy" they look for ways to make it challenging. They look for more ways to make it more difficult....for themselves.

Hopefully they have a coach who understands the saying "you play like you practice" so he makes sure the goaltender is engaged and challenged in every drill. But, if not, they know what they have to do. They understand that the best way to get better and learn about yourself, your capabilities & shortcomings is to "step into the fire".

You will compete as you train! If you really want to perform well under pressure you need to take an honest look at how you train. Don't give in to excuses & looking for the easy way out.

I recall an incident working with a couple of Junior goaltenders where I devised a drill (purposely) where the goaltender's chance of success was marginally low. Mid-way through the drill I had one of the goaltenders come up to me and suggest we switch drills......because he thought is was too hard. Good luck with that one.

Here is a quote from a prominent QMJHL goaltender, “You definitely have to practice like you play. I think the more you practice competitiveness, and making athletic saves, the more your body will get used to it”, said the veteran netminder. “When it comes time to applying that in a game, you are ready to make that type of save. You always have to battle for those extra saves and extra pucks, because you never know if it’s going to be a difference maker in a game.”

With few exceptions, the majority goaltenders appear similar. They all look the part and, generally, they all have reasonable technical skills. Some are a step above others, others struggle a little at the level and a very large group are possess average skills – they are no more above average than below average.

If I am looking beyond the obvious, however, it becomes apparent that there is much more of a separation than the 3 I have described above. Because, once the game starts, some of those who looked the part, no longer stand out.

So, if I am observing or reporting on a goaltender, here are some of the important elements I want to evaluate beyond the general technical skills:

1.Does he/she compete to stop every shot? Is she/he willing to do anything to make the save?

2.Does he/she have excellent footwork controlling his/her inside edges both on her/his feet and in a down position & move around the crease smoothly and easily?

3.Does she/he position (gap/angle) properly in all game situations

4.Do I see his/her eyes track pucks/shots right into his/her trapper or body or to her/his pad, stick or blocker and then away from the body?

5.Is she/he mentally tough & focused? Making a timely save when the pressure is on or shaking off mistakes and bad bounces

6.Can he/she process the game? Does they appear to understand how plays generally develop in the defensive zone and are they able to understand the potential options.

Certainly, this list is not all encompassing and there are more parts to the making of a top end goaltender. However, many of these elements were lacking in a good portion of goaltenders I observed. All are skills or intangibles which do not require a coach, only motivation & effort.

But make no mistake, their absence will/could become the deciding factor when you are being scouted or recruited.

]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderTue, 06 Nov 2018 14:03:18 +0000What do you REALLY NEED for successhttps://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/what-do-you-really-need-for-success
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/what-do-you-really-need-for-successSuccess! Everyone has their own definition. Most of what I hear and see is that success is equated with winning. I don't necessarily agree with this, but, to each his own opinion.

So, what is really necessary to be a success (successful)? Ask 100 people and you might get 100 different answers. So, it's really an individual thing.

This leads me to the question: "what is REALLY necessary for success?"Again, the answers would be similar to the question in the second paragraph........... different answers from different people.

So, let's talk about that a bit by exploring what happens when we are NOT successful.

From personal experience what I see, is that, when we are not successful (in our own estimation) we get caught up with irrelevant things which have no real bearing on results or success. "I need a better pad" "a different stick or brand of gear" "Maybe I should have a protein shake before the game" "perhaps I need to change my off-ice workout"

And so, we fret & anguish over minor details which make up such a small part of the picture and neglect the important parts which bring the most positive results. Why do we do this?

BECAUSE IT IS EASIER!

It is easier than admitting that you really don't do the important things that make up the 90% difference to be successful such as:

- eating nutritious foods- getting the correct amount of daily rest- never skipping a workout- preparing thoroughly pregame & pre practice- diligently working on your skills to perfect your game- never taking a "night/day off" at practice- keeping an open mind to advice & correction- being a "student" of the game always in "learning" mode

Sure, new shiny pads or stick will look sharp, but, are they really going to make the difference? Not unless you have already honed your technical skills and mastered the fundamentals of goaltending.

And, for that, you must PUT IN THE WORK!

So, what are you waiting for? Make a decision, stick to it and START TODAY.]]>john@alexandergoaltending.com (Alexander)AlexanderFri, 07 Sep 2018 00:13:35 +0000Successful Tryoutshttps://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/successful-tryouts
https://alexandergoaltending.com/blog/entry/successful-tryoutsSuccessful Tryouts

Within the next couple of days or maybe, even already, you will be heading off to one of the most stressful times of the hockey season. ..........try-outs. But, it need not be, (except for the usual "butterflies") if you invest some time developing your own personal strategy.

First, you need to prepare for each ice session in the same fashion you would for any game. Go through the same pre-game prep routine you always did during season. As humans we all like things we are familiar with, so, by following the same pre-game routine & structure you always do, you will automatically feel more comfortable, at ease, & relaxed.Secondly, in the heat of try-outs things are apt to go wrong (a puck hits your glove & trickles in; a puck goes in off a defenseman's skate; you lose your angle & goal is scored) What you need do is NOT dwell on these, especially your mistakes. If you do, it will only magnify the problem and hurt your confidence. The more you dwell on an error or mistake, the more you will play trying to avoid making more mistakes.

You will play your best, if you continue to play through those with the understanding that mistakes do happen. It is human and all part of the game. Focus on the positives of your performance and don't be afraid to take risks.

Here are a few other thoughts for you to consider:

- BE ON TIME - ALWAYS- show you are motivated to make the team through hard work (give you best effort every game & practice)

- be enthusiastic & upbeat...a tryout is no place for negative talk (either self-talk or otherwise)

- don't be intimidated by others. Make sure you get your share of shots, but don’t try to overdo it.You need to warm up as much as the next guy

- project a confident image...head up, shoulders square

- battle to stop every puck & never give up on a shot, “ANYTIME”; even in warmup

- watch the body language...throwing your hands up on a goal, snapping your stick against the post, shrugging your shoulders or glaring at your defensemen DOES NOT earn you "brownie" points with the coaches

- DO NOT shoot pucks or go into some elaborate skating drill while waiting for your turn to receive shots. Simply, grab a knee and wait or move into a butterfly position & work on adjusting your upper body posture or hand/stick positioning until your turn comes up - relax

- listen more than you talk, especially in the dressing room

- on the ice, be a loud communicator of traffic and situations for your D and supporter of your team mates

- Be intense but under control- DO NOT attempt to change your game from how you did things all season just because you're in a try-out- the number of goals you give up is not as important as WHY THE PUCK WENT IN